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Reviews by Laureen S. (Aurora, IL)

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Ariadne
by Jennifer Saint

Lyrical and compelling (3/23/2021)

I was mesmerized by not only the writing, but the story itself. It is refreshing to hear about women who were not gods, but mortals who made the gods who they were. This story of two sisters and their lives among the immortals and men often left me with so many emotions and …more

American Dirt: A Novel
by Jeanine Cummins

One of those books that stays with you (1/7/2020)

Even weeks after reading this book, I find myself thinking about it. It is such a raw and honest portrayal of immigration and the lengths people will go to for their survival and the survival of the ones they love. Cummins' writing is beautiful with wonderful character …more

You Were There Too
by Colleen Oakley

Emotional Read (10/12/2019)

From the description of the book, I thought I would like it, but I more than liked it - I loved it! It was so well written and the characters so well developed, I felt empathy for all of them. Part love story, but much more with just the right amount of tension to keep me …more

Once We Were Brothers
by Ronald H. Balson

Average Book About the Holocaust (8/16/2013)

Maybe it's because I just recently finished A Long, Long Time Ago and Essentially True (which is also about Poland during WWII and one of the best books I have ever read),but I was somewhat disappointed in Once We Were Brothers. I had high expectations for the book of which …more

An Unmarked Grave: A Bess Crawford Mystery
by Charles Todd

Good "Vacation Read" (4/16/2012)

I had not read any of the prior books in this series, so that may have affected my view of this book. Even though the historical descriptions of the WWI settings in France and England were very detailed, the characters could have been developed a little more.

This being said, …more

The Sweetness of Tears: A Novel
by Nafisa Haji

Definitely Recommend (4/10/2011)

I struggled through the first 50 or so pages because there were so many characters - it was hard to keep track of how they were all connected. Once I got passed that, I was hooked! Haja does a terrific job exploring a multitude of difficult but import themes. In addition, …more

The Devotion of Suspect X
by Keigo Higashino

Not What I Expected (12/26/2010)

After reading about this author's success in Japan and the premise of the novel, I was looking forward to reading The Devotion of Suspect X. I was disappointed though in the pace of the novel and in the development of the characters. I am not sure if this is the author's …more

Agent X: A Novel
by Noah Boyd

Plenty of twists & turns (12/4/2010)

This is a great read with plenty of action, twists & turns. Don't expect a vacation read as you will have to keep track of what's going on and the level of reading is not beach material, but more than worth your time. I did not read the first Bricklayer novel, but this …more

Anil's Ghost
by Michael Ondaatje

Entralling, yet difficult read (11/9/2010)

This is one of my favorite books. I have to admit it is not a vacation book from either a writing viewpoint or from a subject matter. The atmosphere of Sri Lanka during that time is hauntingly brought alive in Ondaatje's prose.

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Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus

Praised by Parade and The New York Times Book Review, this debut features a 1960s scientist turned TV cooking star.

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